Playsport Zx5

Playsport Zx5

Features & Controls

The
Kodak Zx5 features a fixed f/2.8 3.9mm lens. The field of view equivalent depends on the the mode currently in use; 48mm in 1080p, 36mm in 720p, and 36mm in Still mode. The fast f/2.8 lens allows for
excellent low-light video and recording. In case you do need to get closer,
Kodak has also included a 4x digital zoom. To the left of the lens you
can see the camera's built-in microphone. This is a sealed unit, which helps keep water and other debris out.

The Zx5 uses a "Continuous Multizone" Autofocus system with auto macro. The focus ranges are:

Auto: 10 cm - infinity

Macro: 7 - 17 cm

Auto underwater: 13 cm - infinity

Macro underwater: 10 - 22 cm

The Zx5 features a 2.0-inch LCD screen, which offers 154k dots, auto brightness control, and an anti-glare "shield".

Under
the LCD screen are most of the camera's controls. The buttons are well
marked and easy to see. The
4-way controller allows you to search through menus and operate the digital
zoom. Pressing the center button starts and stops your movies, and also acts as the shutter release in still mode. The other buttons shown sweeping along the left side are used to control: Video/Stil mode, Playback, Detele, Setup menu, and Share. The Share button allows you to tag photos for automatic upload to your favorite social websites (Facebook, Flickr, etc.) once you plug the camera into your PC; and configure the included software.

On
the left side of the camera you will find the I/O ports located under a waterpoof seal. Kodak includes a USB cable for connecting the Zx5 to your PC, and for charging the internal battery. They also equipped the camera with a mini HDMI port, however like most cameras the cable is sold separately. Unlike past models from Kodak, the Zx5 does not have a swing out USB arm.

On the right side you will find the memory card slot, also nested under a waterproof door. Both the I/O port and memory card doors feature handy switches that open them easily. The Zx5 is equipped with 128MB of internal memory, along with a card slot that is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards up to 32GB in side. A large, high-speed card is recommended by the staff here at Steve's. Above you can see a 4GB Sandisk Extreme (Class 10) SDHC card.

Power is supplied by an internal Li-ion battery pack, which can not be removed. Kodak claims this battery can power the Zx5 for up to 120 minutes of video when using the 720p setting. They do not mention how many still images can be captured on a single charge. Charging can be done via the included USB cable and the AC charger. Charge time is approx. 4.5 hours with a completely dead battery. Using the USB port on your PC/Mac will take longer to charge.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.